Lawyers representing popular Nigerian author Chimamanda Adichie have officially written to Euracare Multi-Specialist Hospital in Lagos regarding the passing of her 21-month-old son, Nkanu Nnamdi.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death continue, the Lagos State Government has acknowledged that the anaesthesiologist at the clinic has been suspended.
The lawyers for Chimamanda and her partner, Dr. Ivara Esege, claimed in a January 10, 2026, legal notice that the hospital, its anaesthesiologist, and attending medical staff violated the duty of care owed to their son, who passed away early on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
Prof. Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), the founding partner, signed the notice, which PINHEIRO LP issued on behalf of the parents.
The notification states that the infant was sent from Atlantis Paediatric Hospital to the hospital on January 6, 2026, for a number of diagnostic and preparatory operations. These included lumbar punctures, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertions, brain MRIs, and echocardiograms.
The procedures were reportedly part of preparations for an imminent medical evacuation to the United States, where a specialist medical team was said to be on standby, waiting to receive him.
According to Chimamanda Adichie’s lawyers, propofol was used to administer intravenous sedation.
However, the child reportedly experienced abrupt and serious problems upon transfer to the cardiac catheterisation laboratory after the MRI scan.
He was eventually pronounced dead in the early hours of January 7, 2026.
Following this, Chimamanda Adichie’s legal team in its notice outlined multiple alleged lapses in paediatric anaesthetic and procedural care.
These include poor airway protection during deep sedation, an alleged failure to guarantee ongoing physiological monitoring, and questions regarding the suitability and cumulative dose of propofol in a critically ill child.
The parents also claimed that their kid was relocated without enough medical staff accompanying him, without proper monitoring, and without additional oxygen.
Concerns were also expressed over the lack of basic resuscitation equipment, the delay in identifying and treating respiratory or cardiovascular compromise, and the general disregard for recognised paediatric anaesthesia, patient transfer, and safety standards.
As part of their next legal steps, the parents demanded certified copies of all medical records relating to their son’s treatment within seven days of receipt of the notice.
The letter ended with a strong warning that the parents would have no choice but to seek all available legal, regulatory, and judicial remedies against the hospital and all medical workers involved if the institution failed or refused to comply with the demands within the allotted deadline.
Doctor suspended
In a statement released on Saturday, Euracare Hospital stated that it has started “a detailed investigation” into the occurrence in accordance with its best practices and clinical governance standards. It also promised to interact appropriately and openly with all pertinent clinical and regulatory procedures.
Similarly, the Lagos State Government declared on Saturday that it has started looking into the incident and promised to make sure the full force of the law was applied.
Providing an update on Sunday, the Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, told correspondents in a telephone interview that the doctor involved in the child’s procedure had been suspended by the hospital’s management, noting that the hospital was cooperating with the government in the investigation.
Family doctor protests
Dr. Anthea Nwandu, the deceased’s aunt and family physician, criticised the Euracare hospital administration for its account of Nnamdi’s death.
In a statement provided to The PUNCH on Sunday, Dr. Nwandu disagreed with the hospital’s emphasis on following standard operating protocols.
The clinic claims that after receiving care at two paediatric facilities for almost a week, the severely ill dead was referred to Euracare for “specific diagnostic procedures.”
The hospital clarified that as soon as he arrived, its medical staff treated him in accordance with established clinical protocols and globally recognised medical standards, including the use of sedation where necessary.
It added that the hospital worked closely with external medical teams recommended by the family and ensured that all required clinical support was provided throughout the period of care.
Meanwhile, several notable figures have sent condolences to Chimamanda Adichie and her family over the tragic loss.
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